Project ID: 2011CO234B
Title: Environmental Impacts of Ag-to-Urban Water Rights Transfers in the South Platte River Basin
Project Type: Research
Start Date: 3/01/2011
End Date: 2/29/2012
Congressional District: 4th
Focus Categories: Water Supply
Keywords: Water Supply, irrigation, water transfers
Principal Investigator: Arabi, Mazdak
Federal Funds: $ 5,000
Non-Federal Matching Funds: $ 2,781
Abstract: Colorado's population is projected to increase nearly 40% by the year 2030; resulting in an estimated increase in water demand between 300,000 and 600,000 acre-feet (CWCB, 2004). While conservation will be heavily relied upon, transfers of water out of irrigated agriculture are anticipated to meet the majority of new demands. The South Platte River Basin is projected to lose as many as 226,000 irrigated acres by 2030 (CWCB, 2005). In recent years, however, there has been a greater push to keep water in agriculture whenever possible. This stems from the growing awareness of the public benefits of agriculture beyond its economic output; including the values associated with access to locally produced foods, open space, and wildlife habitat.